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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 26

OxyContin formula change has many abusers switching to heroin

Researchers found that OxyContin's abuse-deterrent formulation significantly reduced inhalation and injection, prompting users to switch to heroin. The study reveals a surge in heroin use across the US, with overdose risks increasing due to dealers cutting heroin with other substances.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 11, 2012

Anxiety linked to shortened telomeres, accelerated aging

A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that phobic anxiety is associated with shortened telomeres, a marker of biological aging. This association suggests that phobic anxiety may be a risk factor for accelerated aging, linked to increased risks of cancers, heart disease, dementia, and mortality.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Early-life exposure to chemical in drinking water may affect vision, study finds

A new study found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chemical solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) may be associated with poorer color-discrimination abilities. People exposed to higher levels of PCE from gestation through age 5 exhibited greater visual impairments, suggesting irreversible effects.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 11, 2012

Eye movement direction not correlated with lying

A widely-held belief that certain eye movements indicate lying has been debunked in a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found no correlation between eye movement direction and truthfulness, challenging existing approaches to detecting deceit.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2012

2 proteins offer a 'clearer' way to treat Huntington's disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have identified two key regulatory proteins critical to clearing away misfolded proteins that accumulate and cause neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. PGC-1alpha and TFEB provide a new therapeutic target for treating the disease, offering hope for its treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 11, 2012

Smart materials get SMARTer

Scientists develop SMARTS, a customizable platform for autonomously regulating chemical reactions and temperature, mimicking biological systems. The material's dynamic feedback loops enable it to sense and modulate desired stimuli without external power, paving the way for intelligent medical implants and efficient buildings.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Strong communication between brain and muscle requires both having the protein LRP4

Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 11, 2012

Ions, not particles, make silver toxic to bacteria

Researchers found that silver nanoparticles are less toxic to bacteria than their released ions. The team's study suggests that controlling the rate of ion release can enhance antibacterial properties and mitigate environmental impacts. They also discovered hormesis, where low doses of silver ions stimulate bacterial growth.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 11, 2012

UW scientists discover why human body cannot fight HIV infection

Researchers found that the HIV protein vpu interferes with the immune response protein IRF3, dampening the ability of the immune system to protect against virus infection. This discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral therapeutics that target this interaction.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 11, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Hubble discovers a fifth moon orbiting Pluto

The discovery of the new moon provides additional clues for unraveling how the Pluto system formed and evolved. The team is using Hubble's powerful vision to scour the Pluto system to uncover potential hazards to NASA's New Horizons spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 11, 2012

How metastasizing cancer cells enter organs

Physiologists and neuropathologists from the University of Zurich have identified the origin of metastasis formation in intestinal cancer cells. Cancer cells manipulate specific doorman receptors on blood vessel endothelium to enter other organs via bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 11, 2012

Gastric bypass surgery alters gut microbiota profile along the intestine

A new study found that gastric bypass surgery changes the gut microbiota composition in rats, increasing beneficial bacteria and altering peptide release. This shift resembles prebiotic treatment effects, suggesting a potential link between postsurgical gut modulations and improved metabolic outcomes.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 10, 2012

New book inspires children to protect dugongs

Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 10, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Preclinical studies use specialized ultrasound to detect presence of cancer

Researchers at UNC Health Care developed a non-invasive ultrasound method to detect cancer using blood vessel 'tortuosity.' This technique filters out tissue signals, allowing for clear visualization of small blood vessels. The study found a definitive difference between tumor and healthy vasculature, with limitations in detection depth.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalRadiology·DateJul 10, 2012

NIH study shows the deaf brain processes touch differently

Research funded by NIH shows that deaf people use auditory cortex for touch processing and visual stimuli more than hearing people. The finding suggests that the brain adapts and takes on additional sensory tasks in response to early loss of a sense, such as hearing.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·DateJul 10, 2012
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

University of Minnesota licenses Clinical Decision Support technology

The University of Minnesota has licensed its Clinical Decision Support technology to Omicron Health Systems, enabling improved coordination of patient care and research activities. The technology helps standardize medical records, facilitating communication and targeted treatments among clinicians and researchers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateJul 10, 2012

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Hubble unmasks ghost galaxies

Astronomers discover that small dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way contain only a few stars and share the same birth date, indicating they were shut down by reionization. The relic galaxies provide evidence for a transitional phase in the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Police officer stress creates significant health risks, study finds

A landmark study reveals that police officers are at significantly higher risk for chronic disease, obesity, and suicide compared to the general population. The study found that shift work, stress, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these risks.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience·DateJul 10, 2012

New biofuel process dramatically improves energy recovery

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel biofuel production process that produces energy more than 20 times higher than existing methods. The process, known as microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), uses bacteria to breakdown and ferment agricultural waste into ethanol.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 10, 2012

Melanoma-promoting gene discovered

Scientists from the University of Zurich identified a key role for the Sox10 gene in promoting melanoma development and proliferation. Suppressing this gene in mice inhibited cancer growth, offering new potential therapy avenues.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 10, 2012

Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale

Researchers mapped ferroelectric structural distortions in individual nanocrystals using the world's most powerful transmission electron microscope. The study indicates that a monodomain ferroelectric state remains stable down to dimensions of less than 10 nanometers, and room-temperature polarization flipping was demonstrated down to ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 10, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

White LEDs directly on paper

Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.

SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Not all brand-consumer relationships are created equal, says University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that the type of relationship consumers form with brands influences their assessment of fairness. In exchange relationships, respectful treatment is more crucial in fair outcomes, while in communal relationships, it has less effect. Marketers must understand these dynamics to correct unfair outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 10, 2012

UC Davis study finds stray-bullet shootings frequently harm women and children

A new nationwide study by UC Davis examines mortality rates and epidemiological aspects of stray-bullet shootings, finding that most victims were unaware of the events leading to their injuries. The study reveals that nearly one-third of victims were children and nearly half were female.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJul 10, 2012

Contraceptive use averts 272,000 maternal deaths worldwide

A new study estimates that contraceptive use prevents more than 272,000 maternal deaths from childbirth each year. The researchers found that satisfying the global unmet need for contraception could reduce maternal deaths by an additional 30%. Effective contraception also averts nearly 230 million unintended births annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 10, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Can robots improve patient care in the ICU?

Remote presence robots enhance critical care physician interactions with patients, leading to improved patient satisfaction. Most surveyed ICU physicians intend to continue using the technology, believing it improves patient care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateJul 10, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Copper making salmon prone to predators

Research reveals that copper from brake linings and mining operations impacts salmon's ability to detect predators via their sense of smell. This altered state makes them more susceptible to attack by predators.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 10, 2012

Grassroots approach to conservation developed

A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 10, 2012

UMass Amherst researchers unravel secrets of parasites' replication

A team of microbiologists at UMass Amherst has made an advance in understanding the replication of parasites like African sleeping sickness and chagas disease. By characterizing key proteins' organization, they discovered a novel mechanism that could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEukaryotic Cell·DateJul 10, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

U-M researchers identify new genetic cause for chronic kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new single-gene cause of chronic kidney disease, which implicates DNA damage response signaling. The study found that mutations in Fanconi anemia-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) lead to increased DNA damage and apoptosis in patients with CKD.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 10, 2012

Subtle goal reminders, known as primes, can offset hedonic effects of food and facilitate health behavior

Research suggests that adding words related to health and weight on posters, menus, or recipe cards can stimulate healthy food choices among dieters and overweight individuals. This technique has great potential as an intervention to help weight control, as it is unobtrusive, easy to implement, and low in cost.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 10, 2012

Do people want to know if they are at risk for Alzheimer's disease?

Research finds that people at risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease want to know their genetic profile, but struggle with the results. The study also reveals that the general population and those with a family history of late-onset AD tend to be motivated by fear and anxiety when considering genetic testing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJul 10, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Waste to watts: Improving microbial fuel cells

Researchers at Arizona State University improved microbial fuel cell efficiency by modifying cathode materials and adjusting pH levels. By enhancing hydroxide ion transport, they increased power densities and reduced losses in MFC performance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemSusChem·DateJul 10, 2012

Study examines risk of poor birth outcomes following H1N1 vaccination

Two studies found that infants exposed to the H1N1 vaccine in utero did not have a significantly increased risk of major birth defects, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction. However, adults exposed to the vaccine were at a small increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome during the 4-8 weeks after vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 10, 2012

NASA gets a cold stare from Emilia's eye

Cloud top temperatures around Hurricane Emilia's eye were measured to be colder than -94F, indicating high-energy storms. NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites tracked the hurricane's rapid strengthening and weakening phases.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2012
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Tobacco use more prevalent among African-American adolescents living in public housing communities

A recent study found that African-American youths living in public housing communities are 2.3 times more likely to use tobacco than their peers. Early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs and addressing depressive symptoms, can help reverse positive attitudes towards tobacco use and reduce the risk of delinquent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2012

Researchers develop new possibilities for solar power

A new solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system has been developed by Queen's University researchers, generating both electricity and heat. The system uses amorphous silicon cells, which require less material, cost less to manufacture, and offer a higher return on investment.

SourceQueen's University·JournalSolar Energy·DateJul 10, 2012

AOSSM presents annual research awards

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) recognizes innovative research in orthopaedic sports medicine through various awards, including the Young Investigators Grants, Clinical Research Outcome Grant, Innovative Outcomes Assessment Grant, and O'Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award. The grants provide funding for s...

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 10, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.